Enjoy smooth and locally-sourced green tea at COMO, a tea shop run by Yabuzaki-en Tea Farm. This local farm sits on the banks of the Asahina River, an area revered for its production of Gyokuro—a premier green tea that is characterized by its mild sweetness, umami, and soft bitterness.

COMO features a wide variety of Yabuzaki-en’s teas, which are uniquely cultivated using organic processes, such as shading the tea fields with Komo rice straw sheets. Immerse yourself in the authentic tea culture, and peruse shelves of Gyokuro, Kabusecha, Matcha, Sencha, and more. Be sure to ask the friendly staff for tea samples, if you are curious about the variety of flavors. COMO’s collection of tea sets, tea tins, and teaware make it a wonderful place to stock up on tea souvenirs. After you fill your bags with the tea products, chat with the owners about their passion for tea growing and learn how to brew the perfect cup.

About Asahina Gyokuro

The slopes on both sides of the Asahina River are one of Japan’s three largest Gyokuro producing areas. The fertile landscape, surrounded by mountains and blessed with cool temperatures, is an ideal location for growing Gyokuro. An especially important factor is the morning dew from the river, which gives the tea leaves their rich and savory umami. Rightfully so, this quiet place attracts many tea lovers worldwide thanks to its one-of-a-kind tea culture.

Access

• 3 minutes on foot from Okabe Shogakko-mae on the Shizutetsu Bus